Electrolyzer Oxygenation for Chemical-Free Water Sanitization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for sanitizing water supplies often rely on harmful chemicals, and there is a need for a method to increase oxygen concentration in water to disrupt bacterial growth effectively.
Innovation Solution
The system comprises an electrolyzer module that produces oxygen, which is then added to the water supply through fluid connections, with a valve and diffuser to control oxygen flow, allowing for varying concentrations to inhibit bacterial growth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If chemicals are added to sanitize water supply, then sanitization is achieved, but harmful substances are introduced into the water
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of chemicals into a beneficial approach by using oxygen generation through electrolysis. Instead of adding harmful chemicals to sanitize water, the system generates oxygen in-situ and diffuses it into the water supply, achieving sanitization through oxidation while introducing only beneficial oxygen rather than harmful substances
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the chemical sanitization method with a physical-electrochemical process. An electrolyzer module uses electrical energy to split water into oxygen and hydrogen, and a diffuser physically introduces the oxygen into the water supply, substituting chemical addition with a controlled physical oxygenation process
2Reliability
If oxygen concentration in water is increased to disrupt bacterial growth, then sanitization improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the oxygenation system into distinct functional modules: an electrolyzer module that generates oxygen from water, a diffuser that introduces oxygen into the water supply, and control mechanisms. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently and simplifies maintenance and operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the water supply itself as the source of oxygen through electrolysis, eliminating the need for external oxygen storage or transport. The electrolyzer module continuously generates oxygen from the water, and the diffuser automatically introduces it, creating a self-sustaining oxygenation process that reduces operational complexity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances water sanitization by safely increasing oxygen levels in the water supply, disrupting bacterial growth and improving safety by reducing ambient oxygen around the electrolyzer stack, while providing oxygen for various applications.
Implementation Method 1
an electrolyzer module operable to produce oxygen
Implementation Method 2
a diffuser fluidly connected to the electrolyzer module. The diffuser is operable to diffuse the oxygen produced by the electrolyzer module into the water supply
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides systems and methods for increasing the oxygen concentration of a water supply. The systems generally include a water supply and an electrolyzer module that generates oxygen to be added to the water supply. The methods generally include generating oxygen using an electrolyzer module and adding the generated oxygen to a water supply.